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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Operations ALPEN Method |  Decision Making Decision Tree |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When research notes, feedback, or observations sit unconnected side by side, affinity diagramming sorts the raw material into solid themes. Many individual points turn into patterns that make decisions and opportunities clearer. | With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time. | For decisions with follow-on paths and dependencies, a linear comparison is often not enough. A Decision Tree shows how options branch under conditions and which consequences hang on each branch. | When a lot is assumed about a target group but little is seen jointly, empathy mapping makes knowledge and gaps directly comparable. The picture also shows which assumptions hold up and where evidence is missing. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 10-20 min daily | 30-90 min | 30–60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 1 | 1-6 | 4-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes | Decision Tree, Option Map, Assumption List | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations | DecisionTreeOptions | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop |